Active mattress encasement

ABSTRACT

An active mattress encasement which can be relatively easily installed or removed or rotated over a mattress supported by a foundation is disclosed. The encasement is formed to encapsulate a mattress and may include a top panel, a bottom panel and multiple side panels. One or more of the side panels are zippered together, In one embodiment, the unzippered side panels, i.e. side panels without zippers, fixedly connect the top and bottom portions of the side panels. In another embodiment, an inflatable volume is integrated into the bottom panel. Alternatively, the inflatable volume may be integrated with a separate detachable cover and attached to the bottom panel by conventional means. The top and bottom panels, as well as the side panels may be made from a conventional materials. The underside of the top panel and optionally the inside of the side panels may be coated with a waterproof coating, such as polyurethane (TPU/PU), silicone, and/or urethane to form a waterproof membrane. In accordance with an important aspect of one embodiment of the invention, an interior surface of the bottom panel is formed with a slick surface while the exterior surface of the bottom panel is integrated with an inflatable volume. The inflatable volume faces outwardly and is adapted to be in contact with the foundation or optional bed skirt. In this embodiment, the exterior surface of the bottom panel of the encasement is formed at least partially with a non-slick surface. The non-slick surface provides a frictional relationship between the exterior surface of the bottom panel of the encasement and the foundation or bed skirt while the encasement is being installed or removed over a mattress. The slick interior surface of the bottom panel allows a mattress to be rotated, installed, or removed, once the bottom panel is juxtaposed between the mattress and the foundation in an application in which the encasement is unzipped and the top panel is disposed on the floor adjacent one end of the mattress. Alternatively, a separate detachable cover may be used to allow the mattress to be relatively easily installed or removed or rotated with the encasement fully installed on the mattress. Optional straps may be provided, fixedly attached to the encasement, to allow the encasement to be snugged against the mattress. This enables the encasement to be used with a relatively wide range of mattress sizes and still provide a snug fit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/046,047, filed on Oct. 4, 2013, hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an active encasement which can be installed or removed relatively easily over a mattress supported by a foundation or fixed or adjustable platform (hereinafter “foundation”) which also facilitates bed making and rotation of the mattress even in applications in which a bed skirt is installed over a foundation and can accommodate a relatively wide range of mattress sizes.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Mattress encasements are used as a prophylactic cover over an entire mattress to protect the mattress from various situations, such as parasites and stains, for example, pet stains. Such encasements are also available for box springs. Examples of such encasements are disclosed in US Patent Application Publication Nos.: US 2012/0260426; US 2012/0255120; 2012/0192356; 2012/0167302; and 2011/00100856 as well as U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,087,111 and 8,156,588, all hereinafter incorporated by reference.

Some known encasements are made from a vinyl material. There are several problems with such vinyl encasements. One such problem is that they are uncomfortable. Another problem relates to cleaning them after being in contact with blood, urine or other matter. Such vinyl encasements cannot be laundered. In order to solve this problem, encasements made from launderable materials have been developed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,087,111 discloses an encasement formed from two layers; an inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer is formed from cotton or other common encasement material or a material commonly used for mattress protectors, as well as bedding fabric, such as polyester or a polyester-cotton blend. The inner layer is formed as a waterproof membrane, for example, a polyurethane or other suitable waterproof coating.

Because of the need for laundering, some known encasements are formed with a zipper along one to three sides forming a pocket on one end for installation and removal for laundering. In order to launder the encasement, the mattress is normally flipped upside down so that the mattress top is in contact with the foundation and the dust cover is facing upwardly. Next, the mattress is slid off one end to enable the pocket to be slipped over one end of the mattress. The encasement is then slipped over the rest of the mattress. The mattress is again flipped over so that the dust cover is resting on the foundation and the comfort top is facing upwardly. The top layer of the encasement with the waterproof membrane is then zipped to the bottom layer to complete the installation. In order to remove an encasement, the zipper is unzipped along one or more sides and the mattress is lifted from the foundation to remove the encasement.

Mattresses are relatively heavy items. The weight of a mattress varies as a function of the coil core size, the gauge of the coil and the type of foam material used. An average king size mattress weighs between 85 and 115 pounds. High end king size mattresses with latex or memory foam can weigh as much as 300 pounds (http:/www.mattressdirectonline.com). As such, lifting the mattress to remove the encasement and flipping it over twice to install a clean encasement can be an extremely difficult task, especially in hotels and motels where multiple encasements must be changed in a single day.

Another problem relates to rotation of a mattress that is encased in an encasement. For one thing, the mattress handles are covered by the encasement making an encased mattress difficult to lift and rotate. The problem is especially acute if there is a bed skirt on the foundation. In that case, rotation of the mattress would move the bed skirt out of position, essentially requiring the mattress to be rotated by lifting the mattress and rotating the mattress while lifted relative to the foundation.

Another problem relates to the fact that there is no standard size for a mattress. Commonly available mattresses are normally 4″ to 18″ in depth. Some available mattresses are 20″ in depth or more. Although the length and width measurements of various mattresses are fairly standard, there are known differences in the lengths and the perimeters of the various mattresses. Although different encasement sizes are manufactured to accommodate the various mattress depths, known encasements do not address the differences in mattress and perimeter lengths. As such, the encasements, depending on the mattress size, do not always provide a snug fit relative to the mattress, which is highly undesirable from a housekeeping standpoint.

Another known problem relates to bed making. In particular, hotel and motel chains as well as healthcare facilities which include hospitals, nursing homes and extended care facilities (hereinafter “commercial facilities”) are known to encase their mattresses and box springs in encasements. Such commercial facilities are also known to only use flat sheets in their facilities due to the lower cost of flat sheets relative to fitted sheets and the desire to maintain fewer items in their respective inventories. As such, in order to properly make the beds in such facilities which utilize flat sheets, housekeeping personnel need to lift the mattress, which can be quite heavy, as discussed above. More particularly, in such facilities, beds are made with a top sheet and a bottom sheet and a blanket. Both the top sheet and the bottom sheets are flat sheets. In order to properly make the bed, the top and bottom sheets are tucked in between the top mattress and the box spring. More specifically, the bottom sheet is placed on the bed so that an equal amount of the sheet hangs off each side of the bed and an equal amount of the sheet hangs off the head and foot regions of the bed. The excess is tucked in at the head and foot regions of the bed to form so called “hospital corners”. Next, the excess portions of the bottom sheet are tucked in between the mattress and the foundation. The top sheet is then placed on top of the bottom sheet and placed and tucked in the same manner as the bottom sheet with hospital style corners except the head region is left open. In other words, only the foot and side portions of the top sheet are tucked between the mattress and the box spring. Next, a blanket is placed on the bed and may be tucked in the same manner as the top sheet.

In order to tuck the top and bottom sheets between the mattress and the box spring, the top mattress must normally be lifted. As mentioned above, mattresses can weigh up to 300 pounds. In order to make a bed, a housekeeping employee may need to lift a mattress up to ten (10) times per bed. Assuming that each housekeeping employee in a hotel, motel or healthcare facility makes at least 15-30 beds in a single shift, each housekeeping employee would typically lift a mattress at least 150-300 times per shift. Since bed making is a daily chore, housekeeping employees probably lift mattresses 150-200 times per shift on a daily basis.

Such sustained and repetitive lifting may lead to employees developing various repetitive injury problems, resulting in employees missing work or, in severe cases, being placed on disability. Measures have been taken to mitigate such health problems. For example, simply using fitted sheets for the lower sheet reduces the number of times the mattress is to be lifted by an estimated 40%. However, fitted sheets do not allow for the bottom sheets to be made into “hospital corners” that hospitals are known for. Moreover, even using fitted sheets for the bottom sheet still requires a housekeeping employee to lift mattresses at least 90-160 times per day using the example above.

Moreover, the use of fitted sheets is not without its drawbacks. For example, fitted sheets cost more than flat sheets. In addition, fitted sheets increase the sheet inventory of hotels and motels since both fitted and flat sheets must be stocked. Also, frequent washing of sheets in commercial facilities tends to wear out the elastic in fitted sheets. As such, fitted sheets used in such facilities need to be replaced in applications in commercial facilities more frequently than straight sheets.

Thus, there is a need for an encasement that can easily be installed or removed for changing or laundering that facilitates bed making as well as rotation of a mattress to even out body impressions, even in applications which include a bed skirt and can accommodate a range of mattress sizes. There is also a need for further minimizing or eliminating the need for housekeeping employees to lift mattresses while tucking in unfitted flat sheets while still providing “hospital corners” on the made beds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention relates to an active encasement which can be relatively easily installed or removed over a mattress supported by a foundation. The encasement is formed to encapsulate a mattress and includes a top panel, a bottom panel and four side panels. One or more of the four side panels are zippered together. In an embodiment with one, two, or three zippered side panels, the un-zippered side panels may be configured to fixedly connect the top panel to the bottom panel. In one embodiment, an inflatable volume is integrated into the bottom panel. In an alternative embodiment, the inflatable volume may be integrated with a separate detachable cover and attached to the bottom panel by conventional means. The top and bottom panels as well as the side panels may be made formed from a conventional or non-conventional encasement material or a material commonly used for mattress protectors, as well as conventional bedding material and/or waterproof and/or spill proof and/or moisture proof and/or anti-bacterial and/or anti-allergen and/or anti-dust-mite and/or bed bug proof material, such as TPU polyurethane coated terry cotton, polyester knit, vinyl, bamboo fabric, or silver infused or coated type material, or any combination of the above (hereinafter “materials”). The underside of the top panel and optionally the inside of the side panels may be coated, embossed or otherwise covered with a waterproof layer or coating, such as polyurethane, to form a waterproof membrane. In accordance with an important aspect of one embodiment of the invention, an interior surface of the bottom panel of the encasement is formed with a slick surface while the exterior surface of the bottom panel is integrated with an inflatable volume that faces outwardly and is adapted to be in contact with the foundation or bed skirt. In this embodiment, the exterior surface of the bottom panel of the encasement is formed as a non-slick surface. The non-slick surface provides a frictional relationship between the exterior surface of the bottom panel of the encasement and the foundation or bed skirt while the encasement is being installed, removed, or rotated with respect to a mattress, relative to the foundation. The slick interior surface of the bottom panel allows a mattress to be rotated once the bottom panel is juxtaposed between the mattress and the foundation in an application in which the encasement is unzipped and the top panel is disposed on the floor adjacent one end of the mattress. Alternatively, a separate detachable cover may be used to allow the mattress to be rotated with the encasement fully installed on the mattress. Optional straps may be provided, rigidly affixed to the encasement. These straps allow the encasement to be snugged against the mattress to enable the encasement to be used with a relatively wide range of mattress sizes and still provide a snug fit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

These and other advantages of the present invention will be readily understood with reference to the following specification and attached drawing wherein:

FIG. 1a is a front elevational view of one embodiment of an active encasement with an integrated inflatable volume in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1b is similar to FIG. 1a but illustrating an alternative embodiment in which the inflatable volume is integrated into a separate cover that may be attached and detached from an encasement by conventional techniques.

FIG. 1c is a bottom view of the encasement shown in FIG. 1a illustrating an optional air valve with an optional cap integrally formed in a bottom panel of the encasement.

FIG. 1d is a section view of the encasement illustrated in FIG. 1a illustrating an optional filter, such as a HEPA filter, attached to an interior or exterior surface of the encasement for filtering air into and out of the encasement.

FIG. 1e is an alternate embodiment of the invention in which a zipper is disposed in a short side panel on one end along three (3) edges of the side panel, illustrating the encasement zipped and unzipped.

FIG. 1f is similar to FIG. 1e but illustrating a zipper on a long side panel.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of mattress supported by a foundation in which the mattress is covered with an encasement, shown with the encasement partially unzipped at one end.

FIG. 2a is an enlarged partial view of one corner of the mattress illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a mattress covered with an active encasement with an integrated inflatable volume with a plurality of air discharge holes and an attachment point, shown with a bed skirt covering the foundation and with the encased mattress removed from the foundation.

FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 except illustrating an alternative embodiment of the encasement.

FIG. 5 is a partial isometric view of an air supply for use with the present invention, shown with a conduit for feeding the inflatable volume, illustrating one embodiment of an optional air discharge valve in the conduit for regulating the airflow.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the valve illustrated in FIG. 5, shown with the valve closed.

FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6 but shown with the valve partially open.

FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 4 but shown without air discharge holes and with an attachment point and an embodiment of an air discharge valve, as illustrated in FIG. 8a , shown integrated into the inflatable volume for varying the air discharge from the inflatable volume.

FIG. 8a is view of the air discharge valve illustrated in FIG. 8, shown partially open.

FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8 but shown with an alternate embodiment with an attachment point and an air discharge valve illustrated in FIG. 9 a.

FIG. 9a is view of an alternate embodiment of an air discharge valve illustrated in FIG. 9, shown partially open.

FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 4, but illustrating an embodiment in which the porosity of the bottom panel of the encasement is used to control the air discharge as shown in FIG. 10 a.

FIG. 10a is a partial enlarged view of a portion of the bottom panel of the encasement illustrating the air flow there through.

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of an active encasement with an inflatable volume with a center attachment point and air exit holes as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, which illustrates the air flow into the inflatable volume which provides the lift.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are isomeric views illustrating a mattress being removed from a foundation covered with a bed skirt, shown in disarray.

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of an encasement in accordance with the present invention which includes three zippered sides shown with all three zippered sides unzipped and with a bottom panel in contact with a bed skirt covering the foundation and the top panel of the encasement on the floor at one end of the bed and a portion of the unzipped side panel resting on an interior surface of the bottom panel, shown illustrating a person unfolding the portion of the side panel that was resting on the interior surface of the bottom panel so that the side panel portions of the encasement are folded down and over the side panels of the bed skirt, for those embodiments that have side panels.

FIG. 15 illustrates the person sliding the mattress on top of the interior surface of the bottom panel of the encasement.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top panel of the encasement being placed over the top of the mattress, shown with the pump connected to the inflatable volume which is integrated into the bottom panel of the encasement.

FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 16 shown with an upper side panel portion of a side panel and a lower side panel portion the side panel being zipped together.

FIG. 17a is an enlarged partial view of a portion of one corner of mattress and foundation illustrated in FIG. 16, illustrating the zipper on the encasement partially unzipped.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a mattress encased with an active encasement, illustrating the upper and lower side panel portions of the encasement being unzipped in preparation for rotation of the mattress, shown with the pump connected to the inflatable volume which is integrated into the bottom panel of the encasement.

FIG. 19 illustrates the top panel of the encasement removed from the mattress and draped on the floor at one end of the mattress, shown with the pump connected to the inflatable volume which is integrated into the bottom panel of the encasement.

FIG. 20 illustrates the lower side panel portions of the encasement being folded down over the bed skirt, shown with the pump connected to the inflatable volume which is integrated into the bottom panel of the encasement.

FIG. 21 illustrates rotation of the mattress relative to an interior surface of the bottom panel while the encasement and bed skirt remains in place, shown with the pump connected to the inflatable volume which is integrated into the bottom panel of the encasement.

FIG. 22 is an isometric drawing of an alternative embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1b , illustrating a mattress encased with a conventional encasement, partially unzipped, supported by a foundation covered with a bed skirt in which the inflatable volume is integrated into a separate cover, shown attached to the foundation over the bed skirt, shown with the pump connected to the inflatable volume which is integrated into the bottom panel of the encasement.

FIG. 23 is similar to FIG. 22 but illustrating the encased mattress being rotated with respect to the cover, shown with the pump connected to the inflatable volume which is integrated into the bottom panel of the encasement.

FIG. 24 is similar to FIG. 22 but shown with the cover and integrated inflatable volume attached to the mattress over the encasement, shown with the pump connected to the inflatable volume which is integrated into the bottom panel of the encasement.

FIG. 25 is a partial sectional view illustrating the air flow when the inflatable volume is inflated.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of a mattress encased by an active encasement, shown with the inflatable volume inflated illustrating a person making a bed with flat sheets.

FIG. 27 is a partial sectional view of the mattress and foundation illustrated in FIG. 26, shown enlarged.

FIG. 28 is similar to FIG. 26 illustrating a portion of a flat sheet being tucked under the mattress, between the bottom surface of the inflatable volume and a bed skirt.

FIG. 29 is isometric view of an active encasement in accordance with the present invention, installed on a mattress carried by an adjustable platform, shown with the encased mattress removed from the foundation.

FIG. 30 is an isomeric view of an optional vertical adjustment device in accordance with the present invention, installed in various locations on the side panels of an encasement installed on a mattress to tighten the encasement with respect to a mattress in a vertical direction, shown with pump connected to the inflatable volume which is integrated into the bottom panel of the encasement.

FIGS. 31-36 are partial isometric views of various optional adjustment devices for use with the present invention.

FIG. 37 is an isometric view of an optional separate cover for use with the present invention.

FIG. 37a is an alternate embodiment of the cover illustrated in FIG. 37 illustrating an embodiment in which the side panels overlap a portion of the rectangular panel of the cover, shown in a position in which it is attached to the underside of a mattress encasement.

FIG. 37b is similar to FIG. 37a but shown in a position in which the cover is flipped down over a foundation.

FIG. 37c is a bottom view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 37 a.

FIG. 37d is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an encasement.

FIG. 37e is a bottom view of the encasement illustrated in FIG. 37 d.

FIG. 38 is an isometric drawing of an alternative embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1a in which the encasement includes an integral inflatable volume further illustrating a separate cover as shown in FIG. 37, attached to the foundation during a rotate mode of rotation, showing the mattress partially rotated.

FIG. 39 is similar to FIG. 38 but illustrating the cover over the mattress and the encased mattress after being rotated with respect to the foundation, in a normal mode of operation.

FIG. 40 is an isometric view of a bed shown with an encasement encasing a mattress illustrating optional horizontal adjustment devices to snug the encasement relative to the mattress.

FIG. 41 is similar to FIG. 40 and illustrates an alternative embodiment of the optional horizontal device illustrated in FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is an isometric view of an alternate passive 6-sided mattress encasement illustrating zipper start/stop positions shown with expanded views illustrating alternate zipper stop positions.

FIG. 42A illustrates a blow up of a corner of the encased mattress, shown with the zipper stop spaced away from the corner of the encasement.

FIG. 42B is similar but shown with the zipper stop located at the corner of the encasement.

FIG. 43A is an isometric view of a 6-sided mattress encasement illustrating a bottom panel formed from 2 layers removed.

FIG. 43 B is an isometric view of the encasement illustrated in FIG. 43A fully assembled but shown with the bottom panel on top.

FIG. 43C is an isometric view of the fully assembled encasement illustrated in FIG. 43B but shown right side up and opened up.

FIGS. 44A, 44 b and 45 are isometric views of an alternate embodiment of the encasement illustrated in FIG. 42.

FIGS. 46-48 are isometric views of an alternate embodiment of the encasement illustrated in FIG. 42.

FIGS. 49-51 are isometric views of an alternate embodiment of the encasement illustrated in FIG. 42

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an active encasement which can be relatively easily installed or removed over a mattress supported by a foundation. The encasement is formed to encapsulate a mattress and includes a top panel, a bottom panel and optional four side panels and a conventional, or alternatively, a non-conventional, zipper and zipper enclosure, as well as zippers and zipper enclosures typically used for encasements (hereinafter “zipper”). The active encasement also includes an inflatable volume. As used herein, a side panel is understood to mean those portions or the encasement that contact the side panels of the mattress when the encasement is installed. One or more of the side panels are zippered together. In embodiments in which one, two, or three panels are zippered together, the un-zippered side panel(s) may be configured to fixedly connect the top panel to the bottom panel. The top and bottom panels, as well as the side panels, may be made from a conventional encasement material or a material commonly used for mattress protectors, as well as conventional bedding material, as described above. The underside of the top panel and optionally the inside of the side panels may be coated with a waterproof coating, such as polyurethane, to form a waterproof membrane.

In alternative embodiments, the bottom panel may be integrally formed to attach directly to the side panels of the encasement. In this embodiment, the top panel and side panels may be integrally formed and zippered directly to the bottom panel. Alternatively, the bottom panel and side panel may be integrally formed and zippered directly to the top panel.

In another alternative embodiment, the encasement may be formed with an oversized top and bottom panels that are zippered together on at least one side. The top and bottom panels are sized to cover the top and bottom surfaces of a mattress as well as the four side surfaces of the mattress. An extending portion which extends from the top and bottom surfaces of the mattress fits up against the side surfaces of the mattress. In this embodiment, one, two, three or four edges of the top and bottom panels may be zippered. In accordance with an important aspect of one embodiment of the invention, the bottom panel is formed with a slick interior surface and a non-slick exterior surface. The exterior non-slick surface allows a mattress to be rotated while maintaining the position of the bottom panel of the encasement relative to the foundation and without affecting the position of an underlying bed skirt in applications in which a bed skirt is covering the foundation while the slick interior surface facilitates rotation of the mattress. The present invention also facilitates installation and removal of the encasement over a mattress or a foundation, such as a box spring while eliminating the need to lift or flip the mattress.

Optional straps may be provided, rigidly affixed to the encasement. The straps allow the encasement to be snugged against the mattress or foundation to enable the encasement to be used with a relatively wide range of mattress and foundation depths and still provide a snug fit.

In embodiments in which the inflatable volume is formed as part of a separate cover, the cover is simply detached from the encasement and attached to the foundation which may be covered with a bed skirt. In this application, the mattress can be rotated with the encasement fully installed with respect to the mattress. After the mattress is rotated, for example, 180 degrees, the separate cover with the integral inflatable volume may be reattached to the mattress.

Four embodiments of the invention are contemplated. In a first embodiment, the inflatable volume is integrally formed in a bottom panel of the encasement. In a second embodiment of the invention the inflatable volume is integrally formed in a detachable separate cover. In a third embodiment, a separate cover is used with the first embodiment. All three embodiments are illustrated and described below. In a fourth embodiment, the encasement is formed with extended side panels that can be folded over to overlap the bottom panel and be attached thereto.

The first embodiment of the encasement includes an integral inflatable volume as illustrated in FIGS. 1a , 2, 2 a, 3, 4, 8-11 and 29. The second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1b and 22. FIG. 37 illustrates a separate cover which forms part of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, a separate cover, for example, an add-on device, is used with the encasement device illustrated in FIG. 1a providing an alternative method for rotating the mattress.

FIGS. 12-17 a illustrate the installation of a first embodiment of an encasement. FIGS. 18-21 illustrate rotation of a mattress encased with a first embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate rotation of a mattress in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 1b . FIGS. 38 and 39 illustrate rotation of a mattress in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 37d and 37e illustrate a fourth embodiment of the encasement.

FIGS. 26-28 illustrate the ease of bed making using the invention. FIGS. 30-36 illustrate different methods of tightening the encasement relative to the mattress in a vertical direction. FIGS. 40 and 41 illustrate tightening of an encasement relative to a mattress in a horizontal direction. FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8 a, 9 a and 10 a illustrate different techniques for controlling the air flow from the inflatable volume.

The principles of the present invention are applicable to various mattresses including box springs and mattresses supported by fixed foundations, such as box springs, as well as adjustable platforms, as illustrated in FIG. 29. As shown in FIG. 29, for example, the air pump 53 and conduit 49 are attached on one end of the encasement. However it is to be understood that the nozzle and air pump can be connected anywhere on the inflatable volume.

FIGS. 1c and 1d illustrate optional features of the invention that may be incorporated into the encasements in the various embodiments of the invention, discussed above. Specifically, an optional air valve, such as a conventional valve, for example, a conventional plastic air valve 49 with an optional cap 51 attached thereto with a strap 53, may be integrated into the encasement 30. Specifically, the air valve 49 may be attached anywhere on the encasement 30 except for the inflatable volume. For example, plastic valve may be attached to the top panel 32 or bottom panel 34 or one of the side panels 36 or 38. The plastic valve 49 facilitates removing air from the encasement 30 so that the encasement 30 can be packed for travel for use on hotel and motel mattresses. The plastic valve 49 allows air to be removed to minimize the space the encasement 30 will take in a suitcase or travel bag. The air may be removed manually or mechanically, for example, by way of a vacuum cleaner.

After the encasement 30 is used on a hotel or motel mattress, it is preferable to zip up the encasement 30, remove the air, as discussed above, and transport the encasement in a zipped up condition until the encasement can be laundered. This is done to prevent mites, bed bugs, allergens, certain microbes, and the like from the hotel or motel mattress from being released in a suitcase or travel bag. A HEPA filter 55 (FIG. 1d ) may be fixedly attached to an interior or exterior surface of the encasement 30, for example, the surface 46 as shown in FIG. 1d , to cover the airway of the valve 49 to prevent bed bugs or dust mites or bacteria or allergens picked up from the hotel or motel mattress from escaping through the air valve 49.

Alternatively, the air valve can be omitted and a small aperture formed anywhere on the encasement covered with a HEPA filter may be used. The HEPA filter 55 can also be used with the various adjustable air valves, for example, the air discharge valves 83 and 85, as illustrated in FIGS. 9a and 9b , as well as the air exit holes 67, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example.

First Embodiment

As mentioned above, a first embodiment of the invention which includes an integrally formed inflatable volume is illustrated in FIGS. 1a , 2, 2 a, 3, 4, 8-10, 11, and 29. Referring first to FIG. 1a , the active encasement in accordance with the present invention is shown and identified with the reference numeral 30. The encasement includes a top panel 32, a bottom panel 34 and four side panels, generally referred to with the reference numeral 36. One or more of the four side panels 36 include a zipper 40 or other conventional attachment means which define an upper side panel portion 42 and a lower side panel portion 44. In embodiments in which one, two or three side panels are zippered, the un-zippered side panel 38 may be formed as a single piece and connects the top panel 32 to the bottom panel 34 on the one side.

Alternatively, only one side panel of the encasement may be zippered, as illustrated in FIGS. 1e and 1f . Referring first to FIG. 1d , an embodiment is illustrated in which a short side panel of the encasement is zippered. FIG. 1f illustrates an embodiment in which a long side panel is zippered.

Referring back to FIG. 1a , the top and bottom panels 32 and 34 are generally rectangular in shape and are configured to fit the length and width of standard bed sizes. US standard mattress sizes are provided below in Table 1. It is to be noted that the principles of the invention are also applicable to non-US mattress sizes, as well as non-standard sizes. As will be discussed below, the principles of the invention also apply to mattresses having different depths, even so-called “deep pocket” mattresses.

TABLE 1 US Standard Mattress Sizes Length × width Length × width dimension dimension Common Term in inches in centimeters Twin 39 × 75  99 × 190 X-Long Twin 39 × 80  99 × 203 Full 54 × 75 137 × 190 Queen 60 × 80 153 × 203 King 76 × 80 198 × 203 California King 72 × 84 182 × 213

The encasement 30 in accordance with the present invention provides the standard protection for a mattress from spills, allergens, parasites and/or stains but also provides additional features which relate to the management of the mattress, as discussed below. These features are provided by the novel construction of the encasement 30, as discussed below.

The bottom panel 34 is configured to facilitate various mattress management features without compromising the ability of the encasement 30 to provide protection from stains and parasites. Specifically, the bottom panel 34 includes an interior surface 46 and an exterior surface 48. The interior surface 46 is formed as a slick surface while the exterior surface 48 is formed with an integrally formed inflatable volume, generally identified with the reference numeral 48 from an at least partially non-slick material, generally identified with the reference numeral 47. In the first embodiment the non-slick material 47 helps provide a frictional grip between the encasement and the foundation or bed skirt while the mattress is being rotated and during installation or removal of the encasement, as discussed below.

Various materials can be used for the bottom panel 34 having a slick interior surface 46 and the non-slick material 47. All of these materials including the materials used for the balance of the encasement 30 may be launderable. As used herein, the terms “slick” and “non-slick” refer to their respective relative co-efficient of friction. In other words, the present invention contemplates materials in which the “slick” surface has a relatively lower co-efficient of friction than the “non-slick” surface. Exemplary materials are provided below. As used herein, the materials and or coatings may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers.

The non-slick exterior material 47 of the bottom panel can be created on one side of a slick material by way of a coating or sewing or fusing a non-slick backing to one side of the non-slick material. Other conventionally available materials are also suitable for the bottom panel 34 having a slick interior surface 46 and a non-slick exterior material 47. For example, 70 Denier Heat Sealable (backside) 100% Nylon Rip Stop material is suitable for use for the bottom panel 34 other materials with similar coefficients of friction with a coating on one side, for example, urethane, silicone, or coated or bonded or sewn or fused thermal plastic or heat sealable coatings. Alternatively, a non-slick material can be used for the bottom panel 47 with a slick coating or a fabric with a slick side and a non-slick side.

Such nylon or polyester rip stop material is known to come in widths of 32″-104″ inches wide and weigh about 0.9-4.4 ounces per square yard. Such material can easily be pieced together to accommodate various mattress widths if necessary. Nylon or polyester rip stop material suitable for use with the—present invention is available from various sources, such as, Quest Outfitters of Sarasota, Fla. (http:/questoutfitters.com). Their nylon taffeta material is described in detail at http:/questoutfitters.com/coated.html#HEAT_SEALABLE, hereby incorporated by reference. Suitable nylon or polyester taffeta material is also available from Rockywoods in Loveland, Colo. (http:/www.rockywoods.com). Their nylon taffeta material is described in detail at httpriwww.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Hardware-Patterns-Kits/Medium-Weight-Nylon-Fabrics/Heat-Sealable-70-Denier-Nylon-Taffeta, hereby incorporated by reference.

Non-woven materials may also be used for the bottom panel 34 having a slick side and a non-slick side. For example, Tyvek® polyethylene non-woven fabric, as manufactured by the DuPont Corporation and described in detail at http:/www2.dupont.com/Products and Services/en_VN/nwn.html may be used. Other materials having two slick sides can also be used, such as, silicone impregnated nylon rip stop, for example, as available from Seattle Fabrics, Inc., http:/www.seattlefabrics.com/nylons.html. Other materials can also be used with a coating applied to one side. Moreover, different materials can be used for each cover in an application.

Various other materials with a slick side and a non-slick side are also suitable for the bottom panel 34. For example, the following exemplary materials may be used:

-   -   warp-knit fabric with a polyurethane laminate coating or a         silicone coating.     -   a non-woven material with a polyurethane laminate coating or a         silicone coating.     -   Tricot fabric with a polyurethane backing or a silicone coating     -   neoprene fabric with a polyurethane backing or a silicone         coating.     -   ballistic nylon or polyester fabric with polyurethane backing or         a silicone coating.     -   polyester knit fabric with a polyurethane backing or a silicone         coating.     -   cotton/polyester terry fabric with a polyurethane backing or a         silicone coating.     -   jacquard knit fabric with a polyurethane backing or a silicone         coating.     -   coral fleece fabric with a polyurethane backing or a silicone         coating.     -   microfiber/polyester knit with polyurethane backing or a         silicone coating.     -   a stitch bond fabric with a polyurethane laminate coating or a         silicone coating.     -   nylon or polyester rip stop with a silicone coating on one side         and a polyurethane coating on the other side     -   typical nylon or polyester ripstop with a silicone coating on         one side and a polyurethane coating on the other side     -   woven or non-woven fiberglass fabric with a silicone coating on         one side and a polyurethane coating on the other side     -   a stitch bond fabric, available from Tietex, item no 944164,         style no. C243, wherein the fabric is 32% rayon, 22% polyester,         6% twaron and 40% coat.     -   calendared nylon or polyester rip stop with a silicone coating         on one side and a polyurethane coating on the other side     -   calendared nylon or polyester taffeta with a silicone coating on         one side and a polyurethane coating on the other side     -   calendared suitable fabric with a silicone coating on one side         and a polyurethane coating on the other side

Materials having a similar co-efficient of friction may also be used. All such materials are considered to be within the broad scope of the invention.

The following textile materials may also be used for the various surfaces discussed above. These textile materials can be used uncoated or coated on one or both sides as indicated below to control the co-efficient of friction to create a slick surface or a non-slick surface relative to the co-efficient of friction on the opposite side.

-   70 DENIER×70 DENIER NYLON RIPSTOP -   70 DENIER×70 DENIER POLYESTER RIPSTOP -   70 DENIER NYLON & POLYESTER BLEND -   70 DENIER NYLON TAFFETA -   70 DENIER POLYESTER TAFFETA -   30 DENIER POLYESTER OR NYLON RIPSTOP OR TAFFETA -   210 DENIER OXFORD NYLON -   210 DENIER OXFORM POLYESTER -   210 DENIER NYLON & POLYESTER BLEND -   NEOPRENE -   BALLISTIC NYLON OR POLYESTER OR POLYESTER BLEND -   WARP-KNIT FABRIC -   POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) -   POLYETHELENE SHEETING -   POLYPROPOLENE SHEETING -   NON-WOVEN FABRIC -   OLEFIN -   POLYOLEFIN -   POLYETHYLENE (PE, LLDPE, HDPE) -   STITCH-BOND FABRIC -   COTTON BLEND -   TERRY MATERIAL -   TRICOT -   NYLON COATED MATERIAL -   POLYESTER COATED MATERIAL -   PRESSURE SENSITIVE BACKED MATERIAL -   LAMINATED MATERIAL -   HIGH DENSITY & MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHELYNE FILM -   POLYETHYLENE VINYL ACETATE

The following materials may be coated, laminated, bonded, impregnated, embossed, fused, layered between, or backed onto a side of the textile material(s) to provide a relatively high co-efficient of friction and thus may be used to provide a relatively non-slick surface, relative to the opposite side.

-   POLYURETHANE -   POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) -   POLYETHYLENE VINYL ACETATE -   THERMO PLASTIC -   RUBBER -   HEAT SEALABLE -   WATER REPELLENT -   ACRYLIC -   ADHESIVE -   BLENDED COATING OF ANY OF THE ABOVE -   UNCOATED or utilizing the inherently low friction coefficient of an     uncoated fabric -   FOAM -   SILICONE -   BLENDED POLYMER -   NYLON -   POLYESTER -   THEMOPLASTICS ELASTOMER (TPE)

The following materials may be coated, laminated, bonded, impregnated, embossed, fused, layered between, or backed onto a side of the textile material(s) to provide a relatively low co-efficient of friction and thus may be used to provide a relatively slick surface, relative to the opposite side.

-   SILICONE -   TEFLON -   PETROLEUM BASE -   POLYURETHANE -   DIRT WEAR RESISTANT -   HEAT SEALABLE -   BLENDED COATING OF ANY OF THE ABOVE -   SLICK FIBER WOVEN INTO FABRIC -   UNCOATED or utilizing the inherently low friction coefficient of an     uncoated fabric -   BLENDED POLYMERS -   NYLON -   POLYESTER -   THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER -   POLYETHYLENE VINYL ACETATE

The top panel 32 defines an interior surface 52 and an exterior surface 50. The interior surface 52 is formed with a waterproof coating or membrane, for example, polyurethane or other conventional waterproof coating. The exterior surface 50 is formed from cotton or other common encasement material or a material commonly used for mattress protectors, as well as conventional bedding or launderable material, such as polyester or a polyester-cotton. The waterproof membrane may be coated on one side of the upper panel 32.

Various other materials can be used which are waterproof and/or spill proof and/or, moisture proof and/or anti-bacterial and/or anti-allergen and/or anti-microbial and/or anti-mite and/or bed bug proof. For example, a bamboo knit fabric with a TPU or PU lamination. Bamboo is naturally occurring anti-bacterial material. The TPU or PU lamination provides waterproofing and anti-allergen, anti-dust-mite, and anti-bed bug protection. Other fabrics with a nano-silver finish with a TPU or PU coating. The nano-silver finish is an non-allergic material. These materials can be used alone or in combination with other materials disclosed herein.

Various configurations for the side panels 36 and 38 are contemplated. For example, the side panels 36 and 38 may be formed from the same material as the bottom panel 34 or the top panel 32 or alternatively from other materials, such as permanent conventional or non-conventional bedding materials, for providing stain and/or allergen and/or parasite protection. The side panel 38 may be integrally formed with the top panel 32 and/or the bottom panel 34 or attached thereto by permanent conventional and/or non-conventional means, such as by sewing and/or RF welding and/or heat sealing and/or dielectric sealing and/or welding and/or ultrasonic sealing and/or heat sealing and/or bonding and/or utilizing adhesive and/or or weaving. The split side panels 36 may be formed from the same material as the bottom panel 34 or top panel 32. The side panels 36 are formed with an upper portion 42 and a lower portion 44 that are joined together by a zipper 40. The upper and lower portions 42 and 44, respectively, may be formed as a continuous strip that serves one or more side panels 36. The upper portions are attached to the top panel 32 by permanent conventional means, such as by sewing and/or RF welding and/or heat sealing and/or dielectric sealing and/or welding and/or ultrasonic sealing and/or heat sealing and/or bonding and/or utilizing adhesive and/or or weaving. The lower portion is similarly attached to the bottom panel 34. The upper and lower portions 44 and 42, respectively, may be formed as part of the upper and lower panels 32 and 34, respectively. The zipper 40 may be attached to the upper portion 42 and the lower portion 44 of the side panels 36 by permanent conventional means, such as sewing and/or RF welding and/or heat sealing and/or dielectric sealing and/or welding and/or ultrasonic sealing and/or heat sealing and/or bonding and/or utilizing adhesive and/or or weaving.

In order to facilitate installation of the encasement 30 on a mattress or foundation, a zipper 40 is provided from corner to corner, for example, on each of the zippered sides 36. The zipper 40 may be a conventional zipper that extends from one corner 54 on one side to the corner 56 on the third side, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2 a. The zipper 40 may be attached to the sides 36 by permanent conventional and/or non-conventional means, such as by sewing and/or RF welding and/or heat sealing and/or dielectric sealing and/or welding and/or ultrasonic sealing and/or heat sealing and/or bonding and/or utilizing adhesive and/or or weaving and/or. As will be discussed in more detail below, the configuration of the zipper 40 facilitates installation of the encasement and also facilitates rotation of the mattress. As mentioned above, the upper and lower panels may be oversized and used without discrete side panels.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a mattress encased with different embodiments of an active encasement with an integral inflatable volume 63. Both embodiments illustrate an encased mattress 30 removed from a foundation 60 covered by a bed skirt 62. The inflatable volume 63 may be configured in various shapes and may include a conduit 49 and an air inlet nozzle 51. The air inlet nozzle 51 and the conduit 49 allow air from an external air supply 53 (FIG. 5) to be delivered to the inflatable volume 63. As best illustrated in FIG. 11, in both embodiments of the invention, the inflatable volume 48 is formed with a piece of material 53 attached to the bottom surface 47 of the bottom panel 34 by various methods, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,246,706, hereby incorporated by reference. One or more air exit holes, i.e., non-adjustable air valves, generally referred to with the reference numeral 67, may be provided as well as one or more grommets or attachment points 65, As shown best in FIG. 11, the grommet or attachment point 65 is used to attach the material layer 53 to the bottom panel 34 in one location. It is contemplated that the grommet 65 may be omitted and alternatively multiple grommets or attachment points may be provided. The grommets 65 may be used to provide stability when the inflatable volume 63 is inflated.

As shown in FIG. 11, the arrows 71, 73 and 79 indicate the direction of the air flow into the inflatable volume 48. The arrows 75 and 77 illustrate the air being discharged from the air holes 67. The air being discharged from the air holes 67. The difference in air pressure between the air coming into the inflatable volume and air exiting the inflatable volume creates a lift to cause the mattress to lift relative to the foundation, as indicated by the lift arrows 87.

More specifically, the lifting force provided is directly proportional to the input air pressure to the inflatable volume relative to the air pressure exiting the inflatable volume multiplied by the area of the mattress. The lifting force directly opposes the downward force of the mattress due to weight of the mattress due to gravity. As such, the amount of lift of the mattress can be varied by varying the pressure of the air exiting the air discharge holes 67 and/or by way of the adjustable valves.

Various techniques are available for varying the pressure of the air exiting the air discharge holes 67. All but one of the techniques discussed below illustrate adjustable type devices in which the air pressure can be manually adjusted. One method of varying the pressure is illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. In this method, the pressure is varied by way of an air discharge valve 81 disposed in series with the conduit 49 from the air supply pump 53. Opening the air discharge valve 81 bleeds off air pressure from the air supply pump 53, thus supplying lower pressure air to the inflatable volume 63 (FIG. 11), thereby creating relatively less lift.

FIGS. 8, 8 a, 9 and 9 a illustrate alternate optional adjustable air valves for varying the air pressure. FIGS. 8 and 8 a illustrate the use of a zipper 83 which may be integrated on the material layer 53 (FIG. 11) as illustrated in FIG. 8. Similarly, FIGS. 9 and 9 a illustrate an alternate type of valve 85 which may be juxtaposed on the material layer 53 (FIG. 11) as illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 10 and 10 a illustrate a non-adjustable method of controlling the pressure of the air exiting the inflatable volume 48. In this embodiment, the pressure is controlled by selecting a material with a porosity that provides the desired air pressure.

Of course, the pressure inside the inflatable volume can be controlled with one or more air discharge holes 67 (FIG. 11) in combination with one or more of the techniques discussed above. Alternatively, one or more of the techniques discussed above can be used to control the pressure inside the inflatable volume 48. All of such permutations and combinations are contemplated to be within the broad scope of the invention. Moreover, the principles of the present invention apply to embodiments with and without grommet(s) or attachment point(s) 65.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the encasement 30 (FIG. 1A) can be configured so that the size of the bottom portion of the encasement 30 is standard for all encasement depths. In this embodiment, the size of the top portion of the encasement 30 is formed to accommodate various encasement depths. In such an embodiment, the encasement 30 may be zippered on all four sides. The top portion includes the top panel 32 and the upper portions 42 of all four side panels 36. The bottom portion includes the bottom panel 34 and the lower portions 44 of all four side panels 36. In this embodiment, the transverse length (normal to the longitudinal length) of the upper portion 42 and the lower portion 44 of the side panels are not equal. The transverse length of the lower portion 44 of the side panel 36 may be set to a standard value. In order to accommodate encasements of different depths, the transverse length of the upper portions 42 of the side panels may vary as function of the overall depth of the encasement.

For example, a bottom portion of the encasement with a transverse length of 4 inches may be used with 8 inch and 10 inch encasements. For an mattress encasement with an 8 inch depth, an upper portion 42 with a 4 inch transverse length is used along with the 4 inch lower portion 44. For a 10 inch encasement, an upper portion 42 with a 6 inch transverse length is used along with the 4 in lower portion 44. Thus, the bottom portion of the encasement 30 may be standardized for different encasement depths.

Installation of Bed Skirt and Encasement

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, FIGS. 12-17 a illustrate the installation of a bed skirt 62 over a foundation 60 and the installation of an encasement 30 over the bed skirt 62 carried by the foundation 60. Unlike known encasements, installation and removal of the encasement 30 does not require extensive lifting or flipping of the mattress 58, as discussed above. In addition to facilitating installation and removal of the encasement over a mattress 58 or bed skirt 62, the encasement 30 provides various mattress management features, such as:

-   -   Holding a bed skirt 62 in place while the encasement 30 is being         installed on the mattress 58.     -   Holding a bed skirt 62 in place while the mattress 58 is being         rotated.     -   Enabling the mattress 58 to be more easily rotated without         lifting the mattress 58.     -   Enabling the mattress 58 to be easily installed or removed to         change and/or launder the bed skirt or the encasement.

Turning first to FIG. 12, the mattress 58 is slid off the foundation 60 and stood on one end, as illustrated. If desired, a bed skirt 62 may be installed or removed over the foundation 60. An important aspect of the invention is that the encasement 30 will hold the optional bed skirt 62 in place while the encasement 30 is being removed from or installed over the mattress 58. Once the bed skirt 62 is installed as illustrated in FIG. 13, the encasement 30 is placed over the bed skirt 62. As shown in FIG. 14, the encasement 30 is completely unzipped and the top cover 32 is disposed on the floor adjacent one end of the mattress 58.

As shown in FIG. 14, the bottom portions 44 of the side panels 36 are resting on top of the slick interior surface 46 of the bottom panel 34. Prior to sliding the mattress 58 in place, lower portions 44 of the side panels 36 are folded down over the bed skirt 62 or alternatively, the foundation 60. Once the bottom portions 44 of the side panels 36 are completely folded down, the mattress 58 is slid in place over the interior surface 46 of the bottom panel 34 of the encasement 30, as illustrated in FIG. 15. The interior surface 46 of the bottom panel 34 is formed with a slick surface to facilitate sliding the mattress 58 into place. The exterior material 47 of the bottom panel 34 holds the encasement 30 in place over the bed skirt 62 or foundation 60 while the mattress 58 is being slid in place.

Once the mattress 58 is in place, the top panel 32 of the encasement is placed over the top of the mattress 58, as shown in FIG. 16. The encasement 30 is then zipped up by way of the zipper 40, as shown in FIG. 17.

Mattress Rotation—First Embodiment

FIGS. 18-21 illustrate a novel method of mattress management which relates to rotating a mattress 58 with an encasement 30. As mentioned above, mattresses can be relatively heavy and difficult to rotate. Moreover, an encasement covers up the mattress handles making it even more difficult to rotate the mattress. The novel method for rotating a mattress with an encasement overcomes these problems.

Initially, as shown in FIG. 18, the zipper 40 is unzipped around all three sides 36. Once the zipper 40 is unzipped, the top panel 32 is draped on the floor on one end, as shown in FIG. 19. Next, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the lower portions 44 of the side panels 36 (FIG. 19) are folded over the sides of the bed skirt 62 or alternatively the sides of the foundation in applications where a bed skirt 62 is not used. Once the lower portions 44 of the side panels 36 are all folded down, the mattress 58 can be rotated, for example, 180 degrees, in a horizontal plane, as generally illustrated in FIG. 21. This is done to even out mattress wear and body impressions or indentations. In this application, the mattress handles (not shown) are exposed to facilitate rotation. The slick interior surface 46 (FIG. 1a ) of the bottom panel 34 facilitates rotation while the non-slick exterior surface 48 of the bottom panel 34 holds the bottom panel 34 in place against the bed skirt 62 or alternatively, the foundation 60.

Once the mattress 58 is rotated in place, the top cover 32 is placed over the mattress 58, as shown in FIG. 16. The encasement 30 is then zipped up by way of the zipper 40, as shown in FIG. 17.

Second Embodiment

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the inflatable volume 163 is formed as part of a separate cover 166 (FIG. 1b ). In this embodiment, the encasement 130 is similar to the encasement 30 (FIG. 1a ) except the encasement 130 does not include an inflatable volume integrally formed on the exterior surface of the bottom panel 34. Rather, in this embodiment, the exterior surface 147 of the bottom panel 134 of the encasement 130 may be formed at least partially as a slick surface or inherent coefficient of friction of mattress bottom, coated or uncoated.

The cover 166 includes a generally rectangular panel 168 optionally configured to attach to the bottom panel 134 of the encasement 30 and four (4) side panels generally identified with the reference numeral 170, which may be formed from a stretchable material. An inflatable volume 163 including a conduit 171 and an air intake nozzle 172 are formed on an exterior surface 174 of the rectangular panel 168. The cover 166 including the rectangular panel 168, the side panels 170 and the inflatable volume 148 may be configured, for example, as set forth above and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,246,706, hereby incorporated by reference, except as noted below. An interior surface 176 of the rectangular panel 168 is formed as a slick surface that is configured to cooperate with the slick surface 147 formed on the exterior of the bottom panel 134 of the encasement 130. In addition, the side panels 170 may be made from an elastic material, as set forth in the 706 patent or alternatively a non-elastic material. The inflatable volume 163 including any exposed exterior surface 174 of the rectangular panel 138 may be formed as a non-slick surface as defined herein.

Alternatively, the cover 166 (FIG. 1b ) as well as the cover 200 (FIG. 37) may be formed from a single bottom panel with no side panels and attached to the encasement 130 with conventional fasteners or not attached at all. The cover 166 includes an inflatable volume, while the cover 200 does not. In these configurations, the panels 166, 200 may be attached by conventional means, such as Velcro, hook and loop, straps and/or buckle, buttons, snaps, zippers or other conventional fasteners as illustrated in FIGS. 31-37, 40 and 41. As used herein, the terms “attach” or “attached” means the side panels of the cover 166 (FIG. 1b ) are juxtaposed over the sides of the encasement 130 or foundation 60 or bed skirt 62. Alternatively, “attach” or “attached” means attached by way of conventional fasteners, for example, as described herein.

The cover 166 and the encasement 130 may include conventional or non-conventional attachment means for attaching the cover 166 to the bottom panel 134 of the encasement 130 so that the slick surface 176 of the panel 168 engages and is in contact with the slick exterior surface 147 of the encasement 130. Virtually any type of attachment means are suitable, such as snaps, buckles, Velcro attachment or other conventional or non-conventional means are suitable for attaching the cover 166 to the encasement 130.

Mattress Rotation—Second Embodiment

In a normal mode of operation (FIG. 24), the cover 166 (FIG. 1b ) is attached to the encasement 130 so that the inflatable volume 163 is in contact with the bed skirt 62 or foundation 60 and the slick surface 176 (FIG. 1b ) of the cover 166 is in contact with the bottom surface 147 of the encasement 130. In this mode of operation, the side panels 170 of the cover 166 may be configured to hide the zipper 140 on the encasement 130. Since the bottom non-slick surface 174 of the cover 166 is in contact with the foundation 60 or bed skirt 62, it will provide a friction grip to hold the encased mattress 130 in place with respect to the foundation 60 of bed skirt 62.

In order to rotate the mattress 58, as shown in FIGS. 22-24, without removing the encasement 130, the cover 166 or the alternate cover consisting of a bottom panel with no side panels, is detached from the mattress 58 and the encasement 130 and folded down or juxtaposed over the foundation 60 or bed skirt 62 defining a rotate mode of operation, as illustrated in FIG. 22. In this mode of operation, the slick surface 176 of the cover 166 will be in contact with the bottom panel 134 of the encasement 130. The encased mattress 58 can then be rotated in a horizontal plane, as illustrated in FIG. 23, without removing the encasement 130 from the mattress 58. After the mattress 58 is rotated, the cover 166 may be removed from the foundation 60 or bed skirt 62 and attached to the encasement 130.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment includes an encasement 130, as illustrated in FIG. 1a and a separate cover 200. In this embodiment of the invention, an encased mattress 58 can be rotated with an encasement 130, as illustrated in FIG. 1a , without removing the encasement 130. In this embodiment, a separate cover, for example, a cover like the covers 20, 22, described in detail in US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0212809 A1, hereby incorporated by reference, may be provided, for example, as an add-on device for the encasement 130, as illustrated in FIG. 1a . The cover 200 (FIG. 37) includes generally rectangular panel with a non-slick surface 202 on one side and a slick surface 204 on an opposing side and may include four side panels 206.

An alternate embodiment of the cover 200 is illustrated in FIG. 1. and identified with the reference numeral 201. In this embodiment, the cover 201 includes a rectangular panel 203 and four (4) side panels 206. As shown best in FIG. 37a , the side panels 206 are extended and are folded over so as to overlap the underside of the rectangular panel 203. In this embodiment, the rectangular panel 203 may be made from a homogeneous material with no coatings in which both sides are slick. Alternatively, the rectangular panel 203 can include a slick or non-slick coating on one side or be made from a slick or non-slick material. Similarly, the side panels 206 may be made from another homogeneous material with no coatings in which both sides are non-slick. Alternatively, the side panels 206 can include or non-slick coatings and may be made from slick or non-slick material. The overlapping side panels 206 are fastened to the underside of the rectangular panel 203 by stitching or other permanent conventional means. By eliminating fabric coatings, the cover 201 can be made much less expensively than the cover 200. The cover 200 may alternatively include an inflatable volume similar to the cover 166 (FIG. 1b ).

Mattress Rotation—Third Embodiment

In a normal mode of operation (FIG. 39), the cover 200 is attached to the outside of the encasement 130 so that the non-slick surface 202 is in contact with the foundation 60 or bed skirt 62 and the slick surface 204 is in contact with the bottom surface of the encasement 130. In a rotate mode of operation (FIG. 38), the cover 200 is detached from the encasement 130 and attached or juxtaposed over the foundation 60 or bed skirt 62. In this configuration the bottom surface of the inflatable volume 63 is in contact with the slick surface 204 of the cover 200. After the mattress 58 is rotated in a normal position, the cover 200 can be reattached to the encasement 130.

Mattress rotation with the cover 201, illustrated in FIGS. 37a, 37b and 37c , is the same as with the cover 200, illustrated in FIG. 39. FIG. 37a illustrates the cover 201 in a normal mode of operation. In this mode of operation, the cover 201 is attached to the underside of the encasement 130. As shown best in FIG. 37a , the non-slick extensions 207 of the side panels 206 on the underside of the rectangular panel 203 will be in contact with the foundation 60 or bed skirt 62. In a rotate mode of operation, the cover 201 is folded down and attached to the foundation 60 or bed skirt 62, as illustrated in FIG. 37b . In this mode of operation, a slick surface of the cover 201 will be in contact with the underside of the encasement 130 (FIG. 1a ), which may be formed with a slick surface. In this configuration, the surface of the inflatable volume 63 will be in contact with the slick surface of the cover 201 facilitating rotation.

Fourth Embodiment

FIGS. 37d and 37e illustrate a fourth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 37a-37c , is configured to reduce the need for coatings on the material. Referring to FIG. 37d , an encasement 230 is illustrated. The encasement 230 is similar to the encasement 130 (FIG. 1b ) and is configured to be used with a separate cover with an inflatable volume, such as the cover 166, illustrated in FIG. 1b , or the cover (FIG. 37a ). Alternatively, the encasement 230 may have an integral inflatable volume similar to FIG. 1 a.

This embodiment includes a top cover 232, side covers 236 and a zipper 240, as well as a bottom panel 247. Except for the bottom panel 247, the encasement 230 is similar to the encasement 130, illustrated in FIG. 1b . In this embodiment, the bottom panel 247 may be formed from a homogeneous material with no coatings having slick surfaces on both sides. As shown best in FIG. 37d , the side panels 236 are formed to be extended so that the extensions 249 can be folded down over to overlap the underside of the bottom cover 247 and attached thereto by stitching or other permanent conventional means. In this embodiment, the side panels 236 are formed from a non-slick material, and may reduce the need to provide any coatings on the bottom panel 247.

Bed Making

The inflatable volume 63 (FIG. 1a ) facilitates bed making, as illustrated in FIGS. 25-28. In particular, with reference to FIG. 25, the inflatable volume 63 is able to lift the mattress 58 with respect to the foundation 60 or bed skirt 62 to facilitate bed making. In a normal mode of operation, the air supply 53 is off and the encased mattress 58 sits firmly on the foundation 60 or bed skirt 62. When the air supply 53 is turned on the encased mattress 58 is lifted, as illustrated in FIG. 25-28. In particular, in response to air from the air supply 53 moving into the inflatable volume 63, as indicated by the in-flow arrows 252, this causes the optional inflatable volume 63 to expand, thus lifting the encased mattress 58, as shown and indicated by the lift arrows 253. Excess air is continuously vented through the adjustable or non-adjustable air valves.

FIGS. 26-28 illustrate the bed making process. Referring first to FIG. 26, a mattress 58 with an encasement 30 is shown supported by a foundation 60 with optional bed skirt 62. As shown in FIGS. 26-28, once the air supply 53 is turned on in an active mode, the encased mattress 58 is lifted, as discussed above, allowing a flat sheet 175 to be tucked between the encased mattress 58 and the foundation 60 or bed skirt 62, as best shown in FIG. 28, thus facilitating making of the bed without requiring excessive lifting of the mattress 58.

In embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 37a-37c , the side panel extensions 207 (FIG. 37a ) may be formed from a slick material or material with a slick coating to facilitate tucking the sheets between the mattress 58 and a foundation 60 or platform.

One Size Fits all

As mentioned above, although the length and width dimensions of mattresses are standard, the depth dimensions vary considerably. In order to reduce the number of encasements that need to be manufactured, encasements are known to be manufactured to accommodate several depths for each mattress standard length and width size. A few commonly available encasements have depth ranges as set forth below.

-   -   6-9″ depth     -   7-12″ depth     -   9-12″ depth     -   11-18″ depth

Unfortunately, depending on the actual mattress depth, such encasements do not provide a snug fit. For example, a 6 inch depth mattress will not fit very snug in an encasement made to fit mattresses 6 to 9 inches thick.

In order to provide a snug fit for encasements relative to the depth of mattresses and foundations, exemplary optional adjustable devices, for example, straps 72-82 are illustrated in FIGS. 31-37, respectively. Other adjustable devices are suitable. These adjustment devices may be connected between the upper portion 42 and the lower portion 44 of the side panels 36, as shown in FIG. 30. The adjustment devices may also be provided on the fixed side or un-zippered panel 38 (FIG. 1) to allow the encasement 30 to be snugged up against the mattress. In addition, the side panels 36 and 38 may be pleated to allow the excess portions to be neatly folded.

The straps illustrated in FIGS. 31-36 may be incorporated with conventional and non-conventional encasements or alternatively in combination with the novel encasements illustrated and described herein. These adjustment devices may also be used to attach the cover 166 (FIG. 1b ) or cover 200 (FIG. 37) to the encasement 30 (FIG. 1a ) or encasement 130 (FIG. 1b ). All of such embodiments are contemplated by the present invention.

FIG. 40 illustrates optional horizontal adjustment devices, configured as straps, generally identified with the reference numeral 86. These horizontal straps 86 can be used to snug the encasement 30, 130 with respect to the mattress 58 in a horizontal direction. The straps 86 may be disposed below the zipper 40. As shown, Velcro® cinch type straps may be provided. Other adjustment devices are contemplated for tightening the encasement 30, 130 relative to the mattress 58. For example, the straps 72-82, discussed above, as well as button holes and buttons, or other conventional adjustment devices may be used. It is also contemplated that combinations of vertical and horizontal adjustment devices can be used.

FIG. 41 illustrates and alternate embodiment of the horizontal adjustment devices 86 in FIG. 40. In this embodiment, a ring 88 is provided to enable the strap 86 to be looped there through and tightened. Both embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 40 and 41 may be used as horizontal adjustment devices, as shown, and/or vertical adjustment devices.

FIG. 42 is an isometric view of an alternate passive 6-sided mattress encasement illustrating zipper start/stop positions shown with expanded views illustrating alternate zipper stop positions. FIG. 42A illustrates a blow up of a corner of the encased mattress, shown with the zipper stop spaced away from the corner of the encasement. FIG. 42B is similar but shown with the zipper stop located at the corner of the encasement.

Turning first to FIG. 42, an alternate embodiment of an active 6-sided mattress encasement illustrating zipper start and stop positions. As shown, a mattress encased by an encasement 200 is shown supported by a foundation 202. The encasement 200 includes a zipper 204 shown partially open on one end.

FIG. 42A illustrates a blow up of a corner 208 of the encased mattress, shown with the zipper stop 206 spaced away from the corner 208 of the encasement. This allows an unzippered encasement top 207 to be at least partially removed from the mattress top to allow the mattress to slide relative to an interior surface of the encasement bottom.

FIG. 42B is similar but shown with the zipper stop 210 located at the corner 208 of the encasement. The zipper 204 may start and stop anywhere on the mattress encasement to allow a top portion of the encasement 200 to be at least partially removed from the mattress top so as to allow the mattress to be installed, removed, moved or maneuvered with respect to the interior surface of the bottom panel of encasement 200.

FIG. 43A is an isometric view of a 6-sided mattress with an active encasement 220 which includes a bottom panel 230 formed from 2 layers 231, 232, shown removed. FIG. 43B is an isometric view of the encasement illustrated in FIG. 43A but shown fully assembled but shown with the bottom panel on top. FIG. 43C is an isometric view of the fully assembled encasement illustrated in FIG. 43B but shown right side up and opened up.

Referring first to FIG. 43A, the passive encasement 220 includes an upper panel 222, a zipper 224, an upper side panel portion 226 and a lower side panel portion 228. The bottom panel 230 is formed from 2 layers of material; a top layer 230 and a bottom layer 232. At least one layer 231, 232 of the bottom panel 230 may be polyurethane coated or silicon coated or impregnated poly-knit fabric. An interior surface of the top panel 231 material may be either slick or slick coated to allow for ease of maneuvering relative to the box spring or encasement. This surface may also simply rely on the inherent slick or non-slick or rough or smooth inherent material,

The bottom panel 230 is inflatable and formed from 2 or more layers of coated or uncoated, slick or non-slick material stitched or at least partially attached together along the perimeter of at least one material layer, with at least one air inlet for introducing pressurized air into said inflatable volume for the purpose of lifting said mattress. An exterior surface 241 of the layer 232 may be made of coated of conventional fabric.

Said inflatable volume may also be formed with at least one air discharge or exit hole (either between the material layers or on one or more surfaces of said one or more material layers) for the purpose of allowing pressurized air from an external air source to flow into the air inlet (formed from between two or more material layers or on surface of said 2 or more material layers.

A top half of an air inlet 235 is formed on the top layer 235 and a bottom half of an air inlet 237 is formed on the bottom layer 231. An air discharge hole 239 on at least one layer 231, 232 of bottom panel 230 (shown here with optional zippered air discharge hole to regulate or select the rate of air discharge thereby regulating/selecting the height of the mattress lift or levitation when air from an external air source is introduced into the inflatable air volume formed from the 2 or more layers 231,232 of material that make up the bottom panel 230 of the 6-sided encasement.

2 or more layers of bottom pane 230 may be attached together at least one point within the inflatable volume formed from at least 2 layers of the bottom panel 230.

FIGS. 44A, 44 b and 45 are isometric views of an alternate embodiment of the encasement illustrated in FIG. 42. Turning to FIG. 44A an isometric view of an embodiment of an encasement 240, shown with its bottom panel 241 formed from 2 layers 242 and 244 removed. FIG. 29 is an isometric view of the encasement illustrated in FIG. 28 fully assembled but shown with the bottom panel on top. FIG. 30 is an isometric view of the fully assembled encasement illustrated in FIG. 28 but shown right side up and opened up.

With reference to FIG. 44A, the encasement 240 includes a top panel 255, an upper side panel portion 251 and a lower side panel portion 253, a zipper 257 and a bottom panel 241 formed from 2 layers 242, 244. Air vent holes 246 or air vent corner cut-outs 248 on either on one or both layers 242 and 244 to allow water to drain upon a washing or air to escape or exit. Air inlet layers 259 and 261 are formed on the layers 242, 244. With reference to FIGS. 44B and 45, an optional zippered air exit hole is shown.

FIG. 45 illustrates an embodiment in which the corner cut-outs 248 are provided on the layer 244 but not the layer 242. In such an embodiment, the inside material layer 252 of the bottom panel 244 will be exposed through the cut out 248. FIG. 30 illustrates an embodiment in which the air vent holes 246 and air vent cut outs are provided on the inner layer 242.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, materials for the covers and slick surfaces other than those mentioned above can be which have similar co-efficient of friction characteristics. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above. 

What is claimed and desired to be secured by a Letters Patent of the United States is:
 1. An active encasement for a mattress or foundation comprising: a rectangular top panel defining an exterior surface and an interior surface; a rectangular bottom panel having an inflatable volume formed on an exterior surface of said bottom panel; a fixed side panel connecting one side of said top panel to one end of said bottom panel; a plurality of side panels, each side panel defining an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portions connected to said upper panel and said lower portions connected to said bottom panel; a zipper for connecting said upper portions to said lower portions; and an air supply for providing air to said inflatable volume.
 2. The encasement as recited in claim 1, wherein said top panel, bottom panel and said side panels including said fixed side panel are made from a launderable material.
 3. The encasement as recited in claim 1, wherein said top panel, bottom panel and said side panels including said fixed side panel are made from a bedding material.
 4. The encasement as recited in claim 1, wherein said exterior surface of said top panel is made from a launderable material and said interior surface is formed from a waterproof material.
 5. The encasement as recited in claim 1, wherein said upper portions and said lower portions of said side panels are formed as continuous strips.
 6. The encasement as recited in claim 1, wherein said interior surface of said bottom panel is formed as a slick surface.
 7. The encasement as recited in claim 1, wherein said exterior surface of said bottom panel including said inflatable volume is formed from a non-slick material.
 8. The encasement as recited in claim 1 further including an inflatable volume formed on an exterior surface of said bottom panel of said encasement.
 9. A method for installing an encasement on a mattress supported by a foundation, the method comprising the steps of: (a) removing the mattress from the foundation; (b) placing an unzipped encasement on the foundation so that an exterior surface of the bottom panel is in contact with the foundation and the top panel is placed adjacent one end of the foundation; (c) sliding the mattress onto the foundation so that a bottom surface of the mattress is in contact with an interior surface of the bottom panel of the encasement; (d) placing the top panel of the encasement over a top surface of a mattress; and (e) zipping up the encasement.
 10. The method as recited in claim 9 further including the step of installing a bed skirt after the mattress has been removed in step (a) and placing the encasement on top of the bed skirt so that an exterior surface of the encasement is in contact with the bed skirt.
 11. A method for rotating a mattress encased by an encasement and supported by a foundation, the method comprising the steps of: (a) unzipping the encasement; (b) placing a top panel of the encasement on the floor adjacent one end of the mattress; (c) rotating the mattress 180 degrees; and (d) zipping up the encasement.
 12. A method for rotating a mattress encased by an encasement and supported by a foundation, the method comprising the steps of: (a) attaching a cover having a slick side and a non-slick side to an underside of the mattress encased by an encasement so that the slick side is in contact with the foundation and the non-slick side is in contact with the bottom panel; (b) rotating said mattress 180 degrees with respect to the foundation.
 13. The method as recited in claim 11 further including step (c) as follows: (c) detaching said cover from said mattress and attaching said cover to said foundation so that said slick side is in contact with said foundation and said non-slick side is in contact with said encasement.
 14. An encasement for a mattress or foundation comprising: a rectangular top panel defining an exterior surface and an interior surface; a rectangular bottom panel; a fixed side panel connecting one side of said top panel to one end of said bottom panel; a plurality of side panels, each side panel defining an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portions connected to said upper panel and said lower portions connected to said bottom panel; a zipper for connecting said upper portions to said lower portions; one or more straps coupled to said upper and lower portions of one or more of said side panels in order to tighten the encasement with respect to said mattress or foundation; and an air supply for supplying air to said inflatable volume.
 15. A method for rotating a mattress encased in an encasement supported on a foundation, the method comprising the steps of: (a) unzipping the encasement and rotating the mattress on an interior surface of a bottom panel of the encasement; and (b) rotating the mattress.
 16. A method for rotating a mattress encased in an encasement supported on a foundation, the method comprising the steps of: (a) attaching a cover having a slick surface and a non-slick surface so that the slick surface is in contact with the foundation and the non-slick surface is in contact with the encasement; and (b) rotating the mattress. 